Friday, February 25, 2011

News from the Nest- Feb.25

Much of the activity in the NFL this week has centered on the labor talks in Washington, D.C. and the Scouting Combines in Indianapolis. While the NFL draft in April will not be affected by the current labor situation it appears that any other activity in the league is about to come to a screeching halt. A player lock-out on March 4 seems imminent as both sides remain far apart in their negotiations.

As far as any news out of South Philly, the Eagles' coaching staff is busy sifting through the 300+ players that are attending this year's Combine. Obvious areas of need for this team are primarily on the defensive-side of the ball as they are a couple of huge holes to fill.

New defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is now under the gun to turn this squad around after Sean McDermott was let go at the end of the season. While it is too early to form a short list of actual players that would be on the Eagles' wish list, you have to believe that the line or secondary would be the top priority.

The Birds made one minor move this week by signing linebacker Rashad Jeanty to a one-year deal. He last played in 2009 after breaking his leg before the start of the 2010 and has 32 starts in his four year career.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

News & Notes from the NFL- February 15

The big news this week was Philadelphia's decision to place the franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick. This means that Vick will earn an estimated $16 million dollars next season while both sides work on a long term deal.

The decision to use the tag on Vick to lock him up for another year makes all the sense in the world given the current NFL labor situation. Until the league owners and players' association can come up with a new collective bargaining agreement it would be hard for any team to fashion an extended year deal for one of its top players. This is why Indianapolis did the same thing with Peyton Manning this week.

A complete wrap-up of all the news from the NFL this past week can be found in my weekly article on ATS Sportsline (link is below).


News & Notes from the NFL

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

News from the NFL – February 8

The celebration is still going strong in Green Bay, but there are 31 other teams including Philadelphia that are working on a plan to bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy back home from Super Bowl XVLI in Indianapolis.

Bodog.com has opened the Eagles at 16/1 to win next year's Super Bowl which is slightly better odds than last year's 25/1 odds. Much of their chances will hinge on Michael Vick's ability to play at a high level for a full 16-game season. It will also hinge on Andy Reid's ability to plug some of the gaping holes on defense that once again exposed themselves down the stretch.

I just cannot help but think how this season would have turned out if Vick would have completed that last throw in the end zone against the Packers, or if David Akers would have made those two field goals to give the Eagles the lead in that game.

Once again would of, could of, should of is the tagline of another disappointing end to the year, but one thing that last season did establish is that this team is not that far away from making a legitimate run at a championship.

The following is a link to a new weekly series that I will be posting on this site, "News from the NFL". It was originally posted on ATS Sportsline.


News from the NFL – February 8

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Your Complete Guide to Super Bowl XLV

Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers is rapidly approaching as kickoff is only two days away. This season's 'NFL game of the year' has a strong possibility of living up to all the hype as this is one of the most closely matched championship games in years.

The Packers remain a 2 1/2-point favorite, but the line might as well be even because either team has an excellent chance to win this game. Just when I think I have a strong case for picking Green Bay, I rehash things and come up with an equally solid reason for going with Pittsburgh.

Given my dilemma, I have decided to use common sense and take the 2 1/2-points and the Steelers. With everything else being equal the points proved to be the difference. I honestly think this will be a one or two point game either way, so going with Pittsburgh allows me to cover no matter what.

To get you ready for the big game I have attached links below to three articles that can not only help you fine-tune your bets on the game but for some of the 'prop' bets that have also been posted for Sunday's big game.


Super Bowl XLV Prop Bets


2011 NFL Super Bowl Gambling: Lines | Matchups & Predictions


2011 Super Bowl Handicapping & Gambling Tips